ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA, US — Reforms supported by the National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) were part of the final rules issued by the Surface Transportation Board (STB) that strengthen its power to act during rail service emergencies.

Proposed by the STB in 2022, the regulations for “expedited relief in service emergencies” address deficiencies in previous emergency service order rules. 

Reforms supported by the NGFA and included in the final rules issued Jan. 24: 

  • Removal of the requirement that a shipper’s petition for alternative rail service contains a commitment from another available railroad.
  • A shortened process for petitions for emergency service orders and a date by which a board decision can be expected. 
  • An accelerated process to handle acute service emergencies presenting potential imminent harm and threatening potentially severe adverse consequences.
  • A continuation of the policy to not include any bright-line prohibition on applying relief to contract traffic.  
“The final emergency service rules issued today demonstrate that the board has closely studied and thoughtfully considered the comments of industry stakeholders,” the NGFA said. “These changes will advance the efficiency of the US rail system by enabling the board to order temporary relief in emergencies more quickly and effectively and to more rapidly ensure that localized problems do not spread to other parts of the rail network, while also providing more certainty that acute issues can be resolved.”